12 February 2009

ADRA Responds to Queensland Floods

Wahroonga, New South Wales
Candice Jaques

In response to widespread flooding in northern and north-western Queensland, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia has allocated $A30,000 to support those affected.

ADRA Australia's contribution will go to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal, the official Queensland state government mechanism for this recovery effort.

ADRA's emergency management state coordinator in Queensland, Ron Jenkins, is liaising with Queensland government officials to determine the most effective way to support the community with these funds. Mr Jenkins is a member of the Queensland government's State Community Recovery Committee, comprised of government and non-government emergency management professionals who specifically coordinate welfare support in times of major disasters.

Due to the time it has taken for flood waters to receed, it has taken a while to assess the needs of affected communities. Based on the outcomes of these assessments, ADRA Australia will monitor and review its level of support in response to this disaster.

ADRA Australia's allocation to support the disaster-affected people of Queensland is being provided from its Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund. This fund enables ADRA Australia to make an immediate response to disasters and emergencies.

Severe weather and monsoonal flooding in Queensland's north and north-west in January and February has caused 62 per cent of the state-or more than one million square kilometres-to be disaster declared. More than 30 local government areas have been affected.

Donations to ADRA's Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund can be made online or by calling 1800 242 372.